Tivoli from Rome: Hadrian's Villa and Villa d'Este, Half Day Tour

ll tell you stories about the construction of these impressive buildings and scandals that accompanied the famous Roman families of that time. A unique occasion to known one of the most appreciated, peaceful and historical area at the roman time, very close to the chaotic capital of the roman empire, Upon arrival your guide will illustrate Villa Adriana, the most beautiful Imperial villa, designed and built by Emperor Hadrian at the beginning of the 2nd century AD in a unique setting of gardens and swimming pools. Then you will proceed with Villa D’Este, charming villa with rich Renaissance fountains, water features, waterfalls and incomparable Italian garden. The two villas are on UNESCO’s World Heritage List.

Hadrian who did not like the Palatine palace in Rome, so during the last years of his reign he ruled the empire from Tivoli. Truly no emperor appreciated the palace created by his predecessors so much, but Hadrian detested the crowding, promiscuity, intrigue and chaos of Rome, where he resided as little as possible, traveling as much as possible.

By virtue of its innovative project and the creativity of the architectural components of the park (fountains, ornamental basins, etc.), it represents a unique example of a sixteenth-century Italian garden. Villa d'Este, one of the first gardens of wonders, served as model and had a decisive influence on the development of gardens in Europe. The complex, consisting of the palace and the garden, was built by Pirro Logorio on behalf of the Ferrarese cardinal Ippolito II d'Este who, having become governor of the Lazio city in 1550, wanted a residence suited to his new status. the structure forms an irregular quadrilateral and covers an area of approximately 4.5 hectares. The plan of the villa is irregular as the architect was forced to use some parts of the pre-existing monastic building.